Victoria Police Chief Paul Battershill said Tuesday he will fight for his reputation, after he was placed on leave last week while allegations of misconduct are investigated.
Reached at his home, Battershill said he would "absolutely" defend himself against the allegations, which have not yet been made public.
"My lawyer has requested disclosure of the information and I think we'll get it today," he told CTV British Columbia.
B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal has defended Battershill's record as police chief.
"He's a very bright individual, a thinker," he said.
The decision to put Battershill on administrative leave -- depriving him of access to his police department -- was made by Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe and the Police Board.
No reason for the decision has been given. But some speculate that the suspension may have been sparked by Freedom of Information requests made by lawyer David Mulroney, asking about the police chief's expenses.
The requests were filed by Mulroney on behalf of an unidentified client.
Mulroney made two related Freedom of Information requests in September, and both focused on Battershill's expense accounts and details about personnel dismissals.
The first request asked for information on the salary, benefits and employment-related expenses of senior personnel at the Victoria Police Department.
It also asked for the chief's records of expense dating back to 2004.
The second request asked for all records of any civilian and regular personnel dismissed without cause from the Victoria Police Department since 2004.
As well, information on a review into Taser use done by Battershill was requested.
Mulroney also sought information surrounding Battershill's role overseeing the investigation of Const. Lisa Alford, of the West Vancouver Police Department.
Alford pleaded guilty to drunk driving in November 2005, after rear-ending a car on her way home from a drinking party held at her police station.
She retained her position with the police, but temporarily lost her licence and paid a $600 fine.
Battershill has hired a high-priced lawyer to deal with the matter, and none of the information asked for has been released.
The firm where the lawyer works, Heenan Blaikie, was the subject of a break-and-enter last Thursday -- one day after the chief was placed on leave.
"It was unbelievable. I'm hoping it was a weird coincidence," said Lowe.
The mayor asked the Saanich Police Force to investigate the burglary. Investigators said money, an iPod and a laptop were stolen, while the law firm said the computer contained no files relating to the police chief.
Meanwhile, Lowe said he has faith in the police chief.
"I have faith in our chief because he has done a great job for our city," he said. "But whenever any allegations come forward, we do have to take them seriously."
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Rob Brown
